All along the Romagna coast, and up in the hills, historic townships vie with each other to create the most outstanding traditional (and non-traditional) Nativity scenes and Christmas Markets. It’s a Christmas experience of a lifetime.

Duty-free mountain top shopping, wonderful Christmas entertainment and nativity scenes everywhere make a heart-warming festive feast to see, to hear, to taste, to savour and to save!

High on the top of Mount Titan, soaring above the Adriatic coast, are the ramparts of an unique World Heritage Site - the tiny, atmospheric Republic of San Marino.The idiosyncratic state that refused to join Italy, that kept itself aloof from the European Union (and that scored the fastest-ever goal in the World Cup!) - fiercely preserves its independence and its traditions above everything else to this day.

Because - called "The Christmas of Marvels" - San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Naturally there is an ice-skating rink; naturally Santa Claus sets up his village (with lots of Elf helpers) to help lots of kiddies - of all ages - make Christmas delicacies and wrap presents; naturally there is a beautiful Nativity scene, naturally there are traditional carol concerts in the atmospheric churches, naturally there is a vast array of duty-free and branded outlet shopping in the pretty boutiques; naturally there are Christmas shops with a vast array of Christmas goods from decorations to cuckoo clocks to electronic Santas - everything… and naturally there is a fabulous local Christmas Market.

Christmas music, Christmas lights, stalls selling hot Christmas drinks and sweet Christmas confections, plus the aromas and sounds of Christmastime everywhere.And when guests are happily tired of soaking up Christmas and shopping up bargains and return to the plain, there are yet more traditional treats in store.

Here in Romagna you'll see the Holy Family up on hilltops, inside castle cloisters, on beaches and in harbours - made of simply every material you can imagine - and often animated, both acted and mechanical. Here in Romagna Christmas is not Christmas without a Nativity Scene and pretty much every Nativity Scene has its own little Christmas Market, where you can buy Christmas presents and stock up on Christmas delicacies, decorations and other delights!

So, in the historic Leonardo da Vinci - designed sea harbour of Cesenatico, you'll see ancient ships with Nativity Scenes on each; in the historic Pope's salt-port of Cervia, you'll see harbour-side and beachside Nativity Scenes; in the hilltop vine-coated wine and olive oil townships of Bertinoro, Brisighella and Longiano you have hilltop and castle court Nativity Scenes. And in the important cities such as Cesena and Forli, Rimini and Ravenna you'll see massive acted Nativities in the historic centres.So for a wall-to-wall total immersion traditional, authentic Christmas feast - Romagna has got it all!

Why not enjoy it to the full and treat yourself to a warm Italian festive event of a lifetime...

Experience the best of the very best food and wine, art and culture. Above all revel in the immense and heartfelt hospitality of glorious Romagna – the beautiful, legendary land safely nestling between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea and as yet unspoiled by tourism.

Land at in Rome or Milan or Venice, we can arrange your travel to Bologna to begin your Romagna Experience.

Included Highlights

1 night lovely city center hotel Bologna

7 nights superb Italian country house accommodation

7 superb festive dinners or lunches with wine/soft drinks

3 fabulous vineyard wine tastings

Tastings of local breads, prosciuttos, salamis, cheeses and olive oils

Top cookery class with festive specialties

Visits to Bologna, San Marino, Ravenna, Rimini, Faenza

2 days included chill-out country days with included activities

Amazing authentic local Christmas markets and artisan outlet shopping

Hosted by knowledgeable, lovely locals throughout

All designed as a natural life-enhancing festive experience.

Plus: 'Introduction to the Best of Romagna' Pre-tour information, Welcome pack

From just $2,500 per person (single room supplement $300)

Day 1 Friday - Chrismassy, Foodie, BolognaArrival Christmassy Bologna. Depending on arrival time there will be an opportunity for an early evening walking tour of this colorful medieval city.to see the amazing Christmas lights. One of Italy's richest cities, Bologna is famous for its 3,000 year history, its world's oldest university, its miles of covered arcades and lovely squares, fabulous art and architecture - but above all, its FOOD and FUN. We’ll stay overnight in a specially-selected 3 or 4 star city-center hotel such as the family-run Touring Hotel with its warm atmosphere, lovely breakfast and sensational rooftop terrace with panoramic view of Bologna.

Day 2 Saturday - Welcome to the FeastBologna is a food city that awakes early so we’ll start the day with a breakfast-time tour and avoid the crowds of day trippers! It’s not for nothing that Bologna is known as ‘Fat City’ It is the food capital of Italy (and therefore the world?!) The ancient Mercato di Mezzo and the food shops, café’s and restaurants around it, all in the medieval quarter, are astonishing homes to intoxicating taste, scent and aroma of Christmas which pervades the whole area and heightens appetites. Naturally our full-on guided visit will include many tastes of Christmas specialities like nougat and amazing artisan panetone!

Next our eyes will feast on the best of this rich, fabulous city at Christmas including the Piazza Maggiore, the, Podestà Palace, Neptune’s Fountain, King Enzo’s Palace and the extraordinary Sala Borsa library…We’ll admire the enormous Basilica of Saint Petronio we’ll even visit the first seat of the world’s first university, the University of Bologna, Archiginnasio and its famous Anatomical Theater. And we’ll see Bologna’s gothic Merchants’ Palace, the Seven Churches complex of Saint Steven’s Basilica, and meet Asinelli and Garisenda, Bologna’s famous leaning Towers. After a very full morning, around midday we'll leave Bologna towards the country on the historic Via Emilia to Romagna.

First stop is a visit to the superb internationally-rated organic Zuffa Vineyard and take a Christmas wine tasting in the open air, between vines. After this delightful visit, we will see the painted city of Dozza with its fabulous castle and wine heritage. Then, we'll take the short journey to the hilltop castle-town of Longiano famous for its amazing Christmas nativity scenes – over 150 of them in 2017! Here we’ll have a check into our warm festive accommodation at Alloggio San Girolamo or Casa Grilli (or a similar high grade country-house style accommodation) and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and stunning views. Then another taste of great Romagnolo food and wine - a special welcome festive dinner at the Ristorante Dei Cantoni. ​​Day 3 Sunday - Enjoying the Tastes of RomagnaAfter a relaxed home-cooked breakfast, we'll take a short tour of lovely Longiano, to put us in the Christmas spirit we’ll tour the amazing nativity scenes seeing the fabulous medieval castle with its extraordinary views, then enjoying the fabulous jewel-box theatre Petrella with its museum of masks. Off then to San Marino for a truly fabulous Christmas celebration - The "Christmas of Marvels" - San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Return to Longiano for a lovely rest.San Marino creates possibly the most magical Christmastime event in the world. Naturally there is an ice-skating rink; naturally Santa Claus sets up his village (with lots of Elf helpers) to help lots of kiddies - of all ages - make Christmas delicacies and wrap presents; naturally there is a beautiful Nativity scene, naturally there are traditional carol concerts in the atmospheric churches, naturally there is a vast array of duty-free and branded outlet shopping in the pretty boutiques; naturally there are Christmas shops with a vast array of Christmas goods from decorations to cuckoo clocks to electronic Santas - everything… and naturally there is a fabulous local Christmas Market.

Day 4 Monday - Mosaics and da Vinci's seasideAfter breakfast we'll visit glorious Ravenna with Cinzia ..All dressed up in its Christmas best - this world heritage city, three times capital (of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the Byzantine Empire) is full of marvelous mosaics and stunning 1500 year old basilicas. Then we’ll have a great country Christmas lunch at a glorious Agriturismo. After we’re off to Christmas by the sea - Cesenatico for a stroll in its delightful Venetian-style port, designed by Leonardo da Vinci for his patron Cesare Borgia. With its amazing lights all over the port – Christmas in Cesenatico is something really, really memorable.

Day 5 Tuesday - Cooking Day – learn to cook Italian ChristmasDepart after breakfast for a really special event!Ever wanted to learn to cook REAL Italian Christmas? Casa Artusi "The Best Cookery School in Italy" is the place. In this foundation created to honor Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian Cookery - you will learn to make at least seven different sorts of pasta (including local specialties). In the fully-equipped cookery school, each participant will have the services of an assistant and their own work-station. After this life-enhancing experience we will enjoy a superb lunch of local Christmas specialties – plus the pasta that we have created. At the end of the session, we’ll have presented to us, our hand-made Casa Artusi apron together with our certificate for concluding the cookery course. Without any doubt, this will be the highlight of our trip!

Then, we'll visit the 500 year old Olive Grove at Locanda della Luna and enjoy a taste of olives and fresh new olive oil presented by the 17th generation of the owning Turchi family. Return to Longiano for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Wednesday - Well Being Day 1Today is another day to take care of your whole body and mind. Subject to availability, our own preferences, and, of course the weather, we’ll have the option to follow a guided walk in the glorious hills, take a mountain bike or horse ride, take a yoga class in a stunning location, join in an olive or grape harvest OR take an afternoon tour to see three fabulous art cities on the historic Christmasses on the via Emilia. We’ll visit Roman Rimini, built in classical Roman style 2,000 years ago, we’ll enjoy serene Cesena with its 600 year old library and lovely square and castle. Dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Day 7 Thursday - Shopping, Hills and Castles, First stop today is the ancient artisan print works of Pascucci where they still create Christmas designs, make wooden blocks and their traditional dyes, and have printed wonderful materials since 1826. Here we'll take a tour of the works and have an opportunity to purchase at outlet prices. Then we’re off to the hills visiting fairytale Sant Agata Feltria and stunning San Leo with its fortress and cathedral. Tonight we’ll take a superb festive dinner with a scenic view in Verucchio at the Rocca restaurant then return to Longiano for a restful overnight.

Day 8 Friday - Well Being Day 2All the week, we have enjoyed truly natural, local, fresh food, wine and sights. Today is the day to take care of your whole body and mind - our special relaxation and wellness day. Subject to availability, our own preferences, and, of course the weather, we’ll have the option to follow a guided walk in the glorious hills, take a mountain bike or horse ride, take a yoga class in a stunning location, join in an olive or grape harvest OR take an afternoon tour to visit an artisan ceramicist in the lovely historic art and ceramic city of Faenza and a drive in Faenza’s gypsum hills to the ancient olive oil, wine and honey hilltown of Brisighella . Final night celebration dinner and overnight in Longiano.

Day 9 Saturday - Homeward Bound or?Return to Bologna OR why not stay a little longer in Paradise?

Festive season departure dates from Bologna 2018: November 30th; December 7th, 14th

Please note: Tour prices are based on groups of a minimum number of 10 participants and on twin bed/double room accommodation. There is a single room supplement of $300 per person. All prices may change up until the time of booking. Itineraries may change due to operational circumstances.About the Best of Romagna - read our story

Romagna away from the coast is a very un-touristy place. Unlike its near neighbors Tuscany and the Veneto, in Romagna foreign (particularly English-speaking) visitors are unusual. Here you will be treated as a guest - not a tourist!

So that you may enjoy your visit to the full, we run your experience not as a package tour but more like a group of friends having an adventure on a visit to a new and very special place. In this way we believe you will have a glorious, very different and natural experience. The fact is that Romagna’s wonderful hinterland has not become jaded by mass tourism – and we aim to keep it that way,

Everybody you will meet here is passionate about their homeland, its beauty and its enormous larder of local, seasonal food and wine. Everybody you will meet here is enormously proud of their history, culture and above all their diligent and heartfelt hospitality.

We sincerely believe that you will find treasure here in Romagna - treasure that can only come from open hearts with the willingness to share an unbelievably enormous heritage.

By the time you leave our aim is to help you, like us and all f our other guests to be passionate about Romagna and count the days ‘til you return!